ROCK CLIMBING FOR BEGINNER

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY
ROCK CLIMBING

Drawn into the sport of rock climbing? Wowed by those Spider Man-moves you see, and hungry for a taste of how those brightly coloured handholds (or rocks, as we call them) feel to the touch?

But . . . that 15-metre wall looks scary. And you don’t really want to be dangling in the air on a rope, clinging onto your dear life . . . and you hate feeling helpless . . .

Relax! Indoor rock climbing is very safe, and if you don’t like rope climbing, then try your hand at bouldering. There’s always something for everyone.

YOU CAN COUNT ON US

You can count on Verticlimb to help you hit the rock climbing gym with confidence and ease.

In fact, everything you feel is normal. It is human to be daunted. Even seasoned climbers have fears to tackle when they go up a rock wall. Everyone is pushing their own boundaries and there is no need for comparison because we all start on different pages and at different times!

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CLIMBING IS FOR EVERYONE

If you can climb a ladder, you can do rock climbing. Climbing is suitable for kids as young as 4 years old and for adults as old as 70!

Rock climbing is actually a very friendly sport. Everyone, regardless of ability, can access it. Come with a group of buddies, come with a friend, or come alone if you’re shy. Verticlimb welcomes you and has the programmes to attend to your needs.

Trust us, it only gets easier--and more addictive! Everyone starts off as a beginner and we trust us, you will keep getting better.

FEEL YOU HAVE NO UPPER BODY STRENGTH?

As you will soon learn, rock climbing is a lot about the feet and legs, and the core, too. That’s why rock climbing is such a great workout for overall body toning.

Try to remember not to grip onto the handholds so tightly to avoid tiring out early in each climbing session.

Also, consciously remind yourself not to lock your arms as you ascend! Often climbers new to the sport are fearful of falling and they overlock their arms, resulting in the arm muscles fatiguing quickly. Try to put more weight onto your feet -- like you’re standing on the ground -- and keep those core muscles tight. (Say hello to abs!)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is rock climbing dangerous for kids?

It is not dangerous as all our children wears a harness and are taught to fall safely and properly on the soft mattresses provided in the indoor climbing gym.

All our equipment undergo regular checks and is CE- and UIAA-certified.

Furthermore, Verticlimb coaches are always there to spot them as they climb and catch them when they fall.

What is an appropriate age for kids to climb?

We recommend children to be aged four and above to climb.

No prior experience is needed! Like we said, every one of us is born to climb.

What equipment does my child need?

All climbing equipment will be provided by Verticlimb.

Just come in comfortable sports attire.

Bring along a pair of socks.

A bottle of water definitely to stave off the heat, and a bright yellow and ripe banana will be great too for some extra fuel!

What should my child wear to rock climb?

Comfortable, breathable sports attire is best.

It will be good to come dressed in long pants or tights to protect them against abrasions from the wall. The rock climbing walls can be really rough!

They should also come with a pair of socks.

I hear that rock climbing is really strenuous! Does my child need a lot of upper body strength in order to rock climb?

Oh, no! That’s a myth. Rock climbing gives you strength, it doesn’t rob you of it.

In fact, the feet are just as important as the hands and arms. The feet help to take off much of the weight borne by the hands, and several routes require climbers to use their feet to drive themselves up the wall, instead of using purely arm strength.

There are plenty of easy routes that children will breeze through cheerfully just with their feet.

Core strength is also another important aspect for climbing which will be built upon as children clock in more time with the wall.

Once they are well acquainted with the rock wall and have become familiarised with a range of climbing styles and are equipped with the right techniques, they will then move on to more challenging routes and be able to show off the strength they’ve gained!

Help, I’m afraid of heights!

Tip 1: You don't have to climb to the top. Get use to being on a harness and climb to a height you are comfortable with.

Tip 2: Aim for 1 or 2 handholds higher each time. At your own pace.

Tip 3: Breathe!

Tip 4: Relax. There’s no need to grip the handhold so tightly. And those arms! You can definitely straighten them and place more weight onto your legs and feet.